MOC, Limestone will play more than just a conference game

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Conference Carolinas baseball doubleheader between No. 2-ranked Mount Olive College and Limestone (S.C.) College on Saturday afternoon will be played in an area youth's memory.

The twinbill, which begins at noon, will serve as a fund-raiser for the Kevin Wise Jr. Memorial Endowed Athletic Scholarship Fund at MOC. All proceeds -- gate admission, concessions and donations -- will go toward the fund.

Just two weeks after getting announced as the co-winner of the Jerry Narron Award during the 2012 Wayne County Hot Stove Banquet, Wise Jr. unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. The Southern Wayne center fielder had a promising baseball future and had already signed a national letter-of-intent to play at the University of North Carolina -- the nation's top-ranked Division I team this season.

The Atlanta Braves also courted Wise Jr., who opted to attend UNC.

A devout Christian, Wise Jr. had the verse from Luke 1:37 tattooed on his arm: "For with God nothing shall be impossible."

His faith, along with the fact his mother, Elizabeth, and two aunts attended Mount Olive College, make the scholarship fund a fitting way to honor Wise Jr.'s memory. The fund was established by Wise Jr.'s family exactly one year after his death.

"Kevin's understandings of the importance of an education, his love of baseball and his faith in Jesus Christ are all reasons the endowed scholarship at Mount Olive College is such a perfect way to memorialize his life," said Dwayne McKay, the MOC Director of Planned Giving. "And a Mount Olive College baseball game is the perfect backdrop for a fund-raiser for a scholarship fund dedicated to Kevin."

Kevin's grandfather, Charlie Swinson, will throw a ceremonial first pitch before the first MOC-Limestone game.

Those who are unable to attend Saturday's games and wish to contribute to the Kevin Wise Jr. Memorial Endowed Athletic Scholarship Fund may call McKay at (919) 658-7757 or email dmckay@moc.edu.